ADALIFE

MFA Cohort V is here, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’ve asked them to share a little about themselves. This is the first of the series of introductions that will happen over the next month. We begin in no particular order:

Heidee Alsdorf

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Rogers, Arkansas. I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BFA in Dance Performance.

What was your decision process that led you to choose the Accademia’s MFA in Physical Theatre?

My decision process to attend the Accademia’s MFA program was less a calculated action and more a favorable, unexpected solution to my appetites and intentions as an artist. This spring, I spent the last semester of my undergraduate studies as the fifth Chip and Cindy Murphy Dance Scholar at Accademia dell’Arte. Nearing the end of the semester, I asked Scott McGehee if he would meet with me to talk about my options post graduation. I was looking for some opportunity to extend my stay. We met one day after lunch in his office at Villa Godiola. His first question was where I want to be after I graduate. I said Europe, performing and creating. His second question was what interests me about performance art. At which point I began an impromptu babble about the body and voice as metaphors, strong communicative tools for understanding realities that are dried up by analytical language. I summed up expressing a desire to keep learning. I told him I felt like I needed a better understanding of collaborative work in the theatre and to train my voice. He replied in sync with the voice of my subconscious, “Why don’t you audition for the masters program?” Aha!

What are your expectations for living in another country for 2-plus years?

Living in another country for 2.5 years, I expect on occasion to be uncomfortable and dumfounded. Just as often, I expect to be giddy and floored with gratitude to be in such a position. Ultimately, I expect to learn a lot, broaden my palette as an artist and spectator, and cultivate meaningful relationships with my cohort members that will propel me into the next thing.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time in the MFA program?

During my time in the MFA program, I hope understand (deeply embody) the dynamic between dance and language. My primary degree is in Dance Performance. I studied traditional, body-centric concert dance. For me the transition from dance to physical theatre, will be a pursuit of language and understanding its use on stage. Enrique Pardo called the space between dance and theatre “the angel’s hideout.” So, in short, during my time in the MFA program I hope to go where the angels hide. I also I hope to gain conversational fluency in Italian, to learn about the practical/financial side of working as a performer in Europe, and forge creative relationships with cool people.

Zev Hurwich

Where are you from?

I’m from New York City (Manhattan). I did my undergraduate studies at University of Chicago.

What does “Physical Theatre” mean to you?

Physical Theatre is where the story is told at least as much by the body of the actor(s) as it is by any words they might be saying. Whether that’s Shakespeare, or a silent clown, anything can be physical theatre.

What was your decision process that led you to choose the Accademia’s MFA in Physical Theatre?

I studied Theatre and Italian at UChicago, so it wasn’t too surprising I got into commedia dell’arte. I studied it avidly, and even started a commedia troupe at the school. When I moved back to New York, I was doing theatre, but missing the joy of commedia. A friend and mentor listened to me talk about this about once a week and encouraged me to apply to ADA.

What are your expectations for living in another country for 2-plus years?

I hope to become a real part of the Arezzo community. I speak some Italian already, but I hope to become nearly as comfortable with it as I am with English. I want to learn more about the community, and generally just enjoy the Tuscan backdrop.

What are your plans for after you complete the program?

I don’t know exactly what my plans are. One thing I’ve wanted to do for a while is bring commedia to New York in a real way. Many companies perform commedia here, and have done brilliant work, but there’re hardly any dedicated companies in a town overflowing with theatre.

Nicole Nigro

Where are you from?

I am Canadian. I was born in Kelowna, British Columbia, grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and moved to Toronto, Ontario to study at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre when I was 18. I obtained a BFA in Dance from York University and also have a Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies from The Royal Academy of Dance in the UK.

What was your decision process that led you to choose the Academia’s MFA in Physical Theatre?

My work as a dance maker began to shift. I was developing strong impulses to use mime, imbued object, and voice alongside my choreography. I found myself telling stories while moving or asking other dancers to act, shout, and sing. I realized I didn’t actually have the training to do any of these things! I needed to expand my artistic understanding and skills beyond the scope of traditional concert dance. I began attending interdisciplinary residencies. These experiences created opportunities to collaborate, direct, and interpret across a variety of disciplines. Workshops exploring Suzuki, Viewpoints, Butoh, and Grotowski methods sparked a deep interest in physical theatre. I was living with artists from all around the world. Dinner chats were rich and exciting. I was falling in love with Europe. One of those nights Accademia dell’Arte was mentioned and, well, here I am. Sorry that was a long answer.

What was the audition process like?

I auditioned in this very tall building in NYC. I think we were on the 16th floor. There were electric signs and a LOT of neon pink. I recall fake palm trees and the sound of high heels clacking. I’ve never been to Malibu, but I’m pretty sure this place is close. It was my first acting studio experience and I was definitely intimidated in my sweatpants and makeup-free face. Luckily Bob welcomed us with warmth and ease. He closed the studio door and I was immediately relieved. The audition lasted over two hours and it was full of tension, release, breath, laughter, and play. My devising partner was an utter joy to collaborate with and I am thrilled to know we will both be at the Accademia this year! I walked out of that big scary NY studio covered in sweat and smiling.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time in the MFA program?

I would like to develop the required skills to perform, create, and direct work that includes both dance and physical theatre. I am seeking strength and flexibility, speed and stillness, voice and silence, focus and mess, confidence and humility. I want to deepen my communication skills, collaborative abilities, and discover new tools for conflict resolution. I want to be completely confident on stage, standing still. I want to study particular theatrical methodologies to create my own clearly developed dance-theatre aesthetic. However, I think the Accademia said it best, “The ultimate goal of the program is to launch students into the world as confident, creative and autonomous artists with a strongly developed aesthetic sensibility that unites the wonder of performance with a genuine search for human meaning.”